Overuse Injuries in Children’s Sports: What Parents Need to Know

Youth sports are a great way for children to build confidence, stay active, and learn teamwork. But as young athletes train harder and participate in competitive sports at earlier ages, they’re increasingly at risk for overuse injuries—especially when proper rest, training, and body mechanics are not prioritized.

If your child is experiencing pain or limited movement due to a sports injury, our team at SportsSafe: Pediatric Concussion Clinic is here to help. Schedule an appointment with our providers in Austin, Texas, to get expert care tailored to your young athlete’s needs.

What is an Overuse Injury?

An overuse injury is a sports-related injury that occurs when repeated stress is placed on muscles, bones, or tendons without giving the body enough time to heal. Unlike an acute injury, such as a sprained ankle that results from a single event, overuse injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress on the same part of the body.

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable because their bodies are still growing. The presence of growth plates—areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones—makes them more susceptible to certain injuries not typically seen in adults.

What Are the Most Common Overuse Injuries in Sports?

Several overuse injuries are especially common among young athletes involved in youth sports. These include:

• Little League Elbow and Little League Shoulder: These injuries involve inflammation or damage to the growth plate near the upper arm bone or elbow joint due to repetitive throwing motions in sports like baseball and softball.
• Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in bones, often occurring in the legs or feet from running and jumping in sports like track, soccer, or basketball.
• Sever’s Disease: A common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those involved in high-impact sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated due to repetitive stress.
• Growth Plate Injuries: These can occur in various parts of the body and are often caused by repetitive or high-impact activity that affects the developing bone.

What Causes Overuse Injuries?

Overuse injuries typically result from repetitive motion without sufficient rest or recovery. Several contributing factors include:

• Specializing in a single sport year-round without cross-training or off-seasons
• Rapid increases in intensity, duration, or frequency of training
• Poor technique or inadequate supervision during training
• Improper equipment, such as shoes that don’t support the feet properly
• Lack of adequate rest between practices or competitions
• Growth spurts, which can make joints and muscles more vulnerable

Young athletes who push through pain or are encouraged to “tough it out” may unknowingly worsen an injury over time.

What Are the Symptoms of an Overuse Injury?

Because overuse injuries develop slowly, symptoms may be subtle at first. Signs to look out for include:

• Persistent pain during or after activity
• Swelling or tenderness in a specific area
• Limping or changes in gait
• Decreased performance or reluctance to participate
• Joint stiffness or decreased range of motion
• Pain that worsens over time without a clear injury event

It’s important to take these symptoms seriously. Ignoring them can lead to more severe injuries that require longer recovery times.

How Are Overuse Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and physical exam. A discussion of the child’s activity level, training habits, and when symptoms began will be obtained. Early diagnosis is crucial. Identifying an overuse injury before it progresses helps avoid long-term complications and keeps your child safely in the game.

How Are Overuse Injuries Treated?

Treatment plans are tailored to the type and severity of the injury. Most overuse injuries can be managed without surgery. Common treatment strategies include:

• Rest and activity modification: Taking a break from the sport or activity causing pain is the first step in healing.
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce swelling and manage pain.
• Physical therapy: Guided physical therapy programs can improve strength, flexibility, and technique to support healing and prevent recurrence.
• Bracing or supportive devices: In some cases, braces or orthotics may be used to protect the injured area.
• Gradual return to activity: Once symptoms resolve, a structured plan is important to ensure a safe return to sports.

Sports medicine providers may also provide education on technique and training modifications to reduce future risk.

Can Overuse Injuries Be Prevented?

Yes, many overuse injuries are preventable with the right strategies. Here’s how parents and coaches can help reduce the risk:

• Encourage cross-training: Playing multiple sports and varying activities can reduce repetitive stress on specific muscles and joints.
• Build in rest days: Allow for at least one or two days off from organized sports each week.
• Avoid year-round specialization: Delay single-sport focus until at least middle school or later.
• Focus on proper technique: Work with qualified coaches who understand child development and safe training practices.
• Watch for warning signs: Educate your child to speak up about pain, and don’t dismiss it as “normal soreness.”
• Ensure proper equipment: Use sport-specific gear that fits well and is in good condition.
• Encourage balanced nutrition and hydration: Support overall health to promote tissue repair and resilience.

Prevention begins with awareness. Helping young athletes understand how to care for their bodies sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy movement.

Keeping Kids Active, Safe, and Injury-Free

Overuse injuries are an increasing concern in youth sports, but with early recognition, proper treatment, and proactive prevention, most young athletes can return to play stronger than before.

At SportsSafe: Pediatric Concussion Clinic, our team of experienced providers in Austin, TX, understands the unique needs of growing athletes. Whether your child is dealing with heel pain, little league elbow, stress fractures, or other sports injuries, we’re here to help them recover and thrive.

Schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your child gets the expert care and support they need to stay healthy and active in the sports they love.

Medically reviewed by Emily F. Woodard